[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 144 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 41172-41179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15083]



[[Page 41171]]

Vol. 86

Friday,

No. 144

July 30, 2021

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 144 / Friday, July 30, 2021 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda

[[Page 41172]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV

5 CFR Ch. LXXIII

7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV-
XXXVIII, XLII

9 CFR Chs. I-III

36 CFR Ch. II

48 CFR Ch. 4


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2021

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Orders 
(E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 13563, 
``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' The agenda also 
describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 
602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda 
also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in 
compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We 
invite public comment on those actions as well as any regulation 
consistent with Executive Order 13563.
    USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews 
pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or 
repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There 
is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. 
Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and 
are not commitments to act on or by the date shown.
    USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at 
www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is 
mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda 
entries include only:
    (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities; and
    (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Mr. Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257.

    Dated: March 31, 2021.
Michael Poe,
Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

           Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.........................  Poultry Grower Ranking             0581-AE03
                             Systems.
2.........................  Clarification of Scope of          0581-AE04
                             the Packers and
                             Stockyards Act.
3.........................  Unfair Practices in                0581-AE05
                             Violation of the Packers
                             and Stockyards Act.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.........................  Dairy Donation Program             0581-AE00
                             (AMS-DA-21-0013).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.........................  NOP; Strengthening Organic         0581-AD09
                             Enforcement (AMS-NOP-17-
                             0065).
6.........................  National Organic Program--         0581-AD34
                             Organic Aquaculture
                             Standards.
7.........................  NOP; Inert Ingredients in          0581-AE02
                             Pesticides for Organic
                             Production (AMS-NOP-21-
                             0008).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.........................  Undue and Unreasonable             0581-AD81
                             Preferences and
                             Advantages Under the
                             Packers and Stockyards
                             Act (AMS-FTTP-18-0101).
9.........................  Establishment of a                 0581-AD82
                             Domestic Hemp Production
                             Program (AMS-SC-19-0042).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10........................  Handling of Animals;               0579-AC69
                             Contingency Plans.

[[Page 41173]]

 
11........................  Animal Disease                     0579-AE64
                             Traceability; Electronic
                             Identification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12........................  Bovine Spongiform                  0579-AD10
                             Encephalopathy and
                             Scrapie; Importation of
                             Small Ruminants and Their
                             Germplasm, Products, and
                             Byproducts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13........................  Importation of Fresh               0579-AD95
                             Citrus Fruit From the
                             Republic of South Africa
                             Into the Continental
                             United States.
14........................  Horse Protection;                  0579-AE19
                             Licensing of Designated
                             Qualified Persons and
                             Other Amendments.
15........................  National List of                   0579-AE39
                             Reportable Animal
                             Diseases.
16........................  Requiring Microchipping,           0579-AE58
                             Verifiable Signatures,
                             Government Official
                             Endorsement, and
                             Mandatory Forms for
                             Importation of Live Dogs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17........................  Animal Welfare: Marine             0579-AB24
                             Mammals; Nonconsensus
                             Language and Interactive
                             Programs.
18........................  Removal of Emerald Ash             0579-AE42
                             Borer Domestic Quarantine
                             Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19........................  Strengthening Integrity            0584-AE71
                             and Reducing Retailer
                             Fraud in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
20........................  Special Supplemental               0584-AE85
                             Nutrition Program for
                             Women, Infants and
                             Children (WIC): WIC
                             Online Ordering and
                             Transactions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


              Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
21........................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE11
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: School Food
                             Service Account Revenue
                             Amendments Related to the
                             Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
                             Act of 2010.
22........................  Modernizing Supplemental           0584-AE37
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP) Benefit
                             Redemption Systems.
23........................  Supplemental Nutrition             0584-AE39
                             Assistance Program
                             (SNAP): Electronic
                             Benefits Transfer
                             Requirements for Scanning
                             and Product-Lookup
                             Technology.
24........................  National School Lunch and          0584-AE55
                             School Breakfast
                             Programs: Nutrition
                             Standards for All Foods
                             Sold in School, as
                             Required by the Healthy,
                             Hunger-Free Kids Act of
                             2010.
25........................  Providing Regulatory               0584-AE61
                             Flexibility for Retailers
                             in the Supplemental
                             Nutrition Assistance
                             Program (SNAP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
26........................  Special Uses--                     0596-AD43
                             Communications Uses Rent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41174]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Proposed Rule Stage

1. <bullet> Poultry Grower Ranking Systems

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c
    Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural 
Marketing Service proposes to amend the regulations issued under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) to address the use of poultry 
grower ranking systems as a method of payment and settlement grouping 
for poultry growers under contract in poultry growing arrangements with 
live poultry dealers. The proposed regulation would establish certain 
requirements with which a live poultry dealer must comply if a poultry 
grower ranking system is utilized to determine grower payment. A live 
poultry dealer's failure to comply would be deemed an unfair, unjustly 
discriminatory, and deceptive practice.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Deputy Administrator, Fair 
Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AE03

2. <bullet> Clarification of Scope of the Packers and Stockyards Act

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c
    Abstract: USDA proposes to revise the regulations issued under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act (Act) (7 U.S.C. 181 229c) to provide clarity 
regarding conduct that may violate the Act. This action is intended to 
support market growth, assure fair trade practices and competition, and 
protect livestock and poultry growers and producers. The proposed rule 
addresses long-standing issues related to competitiveness and whether 
all allegations of violations of the Act must be accompanied by a 
showing of harm or likely harm to competition.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Deputy Administrator, Fair 
Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AE04

3. <bullet> Unfair Practices in Violation of the Packers and Stockyards 
Act

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c
    Abstract: USDA proposes to supplement a recent revision to 
regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Act) (7 U.S.C. 
181 229c) that provided criteria for the Secretary to consider when 
determining whether certain conduct or action by packers, swine 
contractors, or live poultry dealers is unduly or unreasonably 
preferential or advantageous. The proposed supplemental amendments 
would clarify the conduct the Department considers unfair, unjustly 
discriminatory, or deceptive and a violation of sections 202(a) and (b) 
of the Act. USDA would also clarify the criteria and types of conduct 
that would be considered unduly or unreasonably preferential, 
advantageous, prejudicial, or disadvantageous and violations of the 
Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Deputy Administrator, Fair 
Trade Practices Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0237, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AE05

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Final Rule Stage

4. <bullet> Dairy Donation Program (AMS-DA-21-0013)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, sec. 762
    Abstract: The Dairy Donation Program rulemaking will comply with 
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 mandates. Dairy Donation 
Program will implement a voluntary program that will reimburse eligible 
dairy organizations for milk used to make eligible dairy products 
donated to non-profit groups for distribution to low-income persons.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Erin Taylor, Acting Director, Order Formulation and 
Enforcement Division, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, Dairy Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 2969-S, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 720-7311, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#492c3b2027673d283025263b0928243a673c3a2d28672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9affe8f3f4b4eefbe3f6f5e8dafbf7e9b4efe9fefbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0581-AE00

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Long-Term Actions

5. NOP; Strengthening Organic Enforcement (AMS-NOP-17-0065)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501
    Abstract: The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking 
will address 2018 Farm Bill mandates. In summary, SOE will follow 
requirements that align with the Farm Bill:
    <bullet> Limiting the types of operations in the organic supply 
chain that are not required to obtain organic certification;
    <bullet> Imported organic products must be accompanied by an 
electronic import certificate to validate organic status;
    <bullet> Import certificates will be submitted to the U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE);
    <bullet> Certifying agents must notify USDA within 90 days of the 
opening of any new office that conducts certification activities; and,
    <bullet> Entities acting on behalf of certifying agents may be 
suspended when there is noncompliant activity.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Rule.......................   08/05/20  85 FR 47536
Comment Period End..................   10/05/20  .......................
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Rule..........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077.
    RIN: 0581-AD09

[[Page 41175]]

6. National Organic Program--Organic Aquaculture Standards

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6522
    Abstract: This action proposes to establish standards for organic 
production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their 
products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add 
aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the 
National Organic Program (NOP).
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077.
    RIN: 0581-AD34

7. <bullet> NOP; Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production 
(AMS-NOP-21-0008)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524
    Abstract: This Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) 
requests comments on options for replacing outdated references in 
USDA's organic regulations to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) policy on inert ingredients in pesticides. Inerts, also known as 
other ingredients, are any substances other than the active ingredient 
that are intentionally added to pesticide products. The references to 
outdated EPA policy appear in the USDA organic regulations in the 
National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and 
identify the inert ingredients allowed in pesticides for organic 
production.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA 
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: 202 260-8077.
    RIN: 0581-AE02

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Completed Actions

8. Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages Under the Packers 
and Stockyards Act (AMS-FTTP-18-0101)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 110-234
    Abstract: This final rule amended the regulations issued under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act) by adding new regulations that 
specify the criteria the Secretary could consider in determining 
whether conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live 
poultry dealers constitutes an undue or unreasonable preference or 
advantage and a violation of the P&S Act.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   12/11/20  85 FR 79779
Effective...........................   01/11/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Phone: 202 720-0219.
    RIN: 0581-AD81

9. Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program (AMS-SC-19-0042)

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621
    Abstract: This action added new part 990 establishing rules and 
regulations for the domestic production of hemp. This action 
implemented provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm 
Bill).
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reopening of Comment Period End.....   10/08/20
Final Rule..........................   01/19/21  86 FR 5596
Final Rule Effective................   03/22/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Phone: 202 720-4722, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c6f7372757d32767571797279665c696f787d327b736a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2a1bdbcbbb3fcb8bbbfb7bcb7a892a7a1b6b3fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0581-AD82

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

10. Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a 
final rule on December 31, 2012, to establish regulations under which 
research facilities and dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and 
carriers must meet certain requirements for contingency planning and 
training of personnel. Implementation of the final rule was stayed on 
July 31, 2013, so that the agency could conduct additional review to 
further consider the impact of contingency plan requirements on 
regulated entities. Since that time, we have conducted such a review, 
and the 2021 Congressional Appropriations Act has required us to 
propose to lift the stay. We are therefore proposing to lift the stay 
and make minor revisions to the requirements in order to update 
compliance dates and clarify intent. The lifting of the stay and 
proposed revisions would better ensure that entities responsible for 
animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act are prepared to 
safeguard the health and welfare of such animals in the event of 
possible emergencies or disasters.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/23/08  73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   12/19/08  73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   02/20/09
Final Rule..........................   12/31/12  77 FR 76815
Final Rule Effective................   01/30/13
Final Rule--Stay of Regulations.....   07/31/13  78 FR 46255
Final Rule Effective--Stay of          07/31/13
 Regulations.
NPRM................................   06/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Elizabeth Theodorson, Assistant Deputy 
Administrator, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 86, Riverdale, MD 
20737, Phone: 970 494-7473.
    RIN: 0579-AC69

11. <bullet> Animal Disease Traceability; Electronic Identification

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301, et seq.
    Abstract: This action would amend APHIS' animal disease 
traceability regulations, currently codified at 9 CFR part 86. The 
primary proposed change would require that beginning January 1, 2023, 
APHIS would only recognize identification devices (e.g., eartags) as 
official identification for cattle and bison covered by the regulations 
if the devices have both visual and electronic readability (EID). Other 
proposed changes are intended to clarify language

[[Page 41176]]

and requirements in several sections of part--86. These changes would 
enhance the U.S. traceability system to better achieve goals of rapidly 
tracing diseased and exposed animals and containing outbreaks.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Aaron Scott Ph.D., DACVPM, Director, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National 
Animal Disease Traceability and Veterinary Accreditation Center, APHIS 
Veterinary Services Strategy and Policy, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building B 
(Mail Stop 3E87), Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970 494-7249, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16626477757377747f7a7f626f566365727738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="394d4b585a5c585b5055504d40794c4a5d58175e564f">[email protected]</span></a>).
    RIN: 0579-AE64

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Final Rule Stage

12. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small 
Ruminants and Their Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 1622; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 
7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786; 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 
136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: We are amending the regulations governing the importation 
of animals and animal products to revise conditions for the importation 
of live sheep, goats, and certain other non-bovine ruminants, and 
products derived from sheep and goats, with regard to transmissible 
spongiform encephalopathies such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy 
(BSE) and scrapie. We are removing BSE-related import restrictions on 
sheep and goats and most of their products and adding import 
restrictions related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for 
certain wild, zoological, or other non-bovine ruminant species. The 
conditions we are adopting for the importation of specified commodities 
are based on internationally accepted scientific literature and will, 
in general, align our regulations with guidelines established in the 
World Organization for Animal Health's Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/18/16  81 FR 46619
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/16/16
Final Rule..........................   08/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexandra MacKenzie, Veterinary Medical Officer, 
Animal Permitting and Negotiating Services, NIES, VS, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone: 301 851-3300.
    RIN: 0579-AD10

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Long-Term Actions

13. Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From the Republic of South Africa 
Into the Continental United States

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450; 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 
to 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a
    Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation of several varieties of fresh 
citrus fruit, as well as citrus hybrids, into the continental United 
States from areas in the Republic of South Africa where citrus black 
spot has been known to occur. As a condition of entry, the fruit will 
have to be produced in accordance with a systems approach that includes 
shipment traceability, packinghouse registration and procedures, and 
phytosanitary treatment. The fruit will also be required to be imported 
in commercial consignments and accompanied by a phytosanitary 
certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of the 
Republic of South Africa with an additional declaration confirming that 
the fruit has been produced in accordance with the systems approach. 
This action will allow for the importation of fresh citrus fruit, 
including citrus hybrids, from the Republic of South Africa while 
continuing to provide protection against the introduction of plant 
pests into the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/28/14  79 FR 51273
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/27/14
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Tony Rom[aacute]n, Phone: 301 851-2242.
    RIN: 0579-AD95

14. Horse Protection; Licensing of Designated Qualified Persons and 
Other Amendments

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1823 to 1825; 15 U.S.C. 1828
    Abstract: We proposed amending the horse protection regulations to 
provide that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 
would train and license horse protection inspectors (HPIs) to inspect 
horses at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions for compliance 
with the Horse Protection Act. Those changes to the regulations would 
strengthen enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and regulations and 
relieve horse industry organizations or associations of their 
regulatory burdens and responsibilities. We also proposed establishing 
a process by which APHIS can deny an application for a HPI license or 
revoke the license of a HPI who does not meet the minimum requirements, 
who fails to follow the designated inspection procedures, or who 
otherwise fails to carry out his or her duties and responsibilities in 
a satisfactory manner. In addition, we proposed making several changes 
to the requirements that pertain to the management of any horse show, 
exhibition, sale, and auction, as well as changes to the list of 
devices, equipment, substances, and practices that are prohibited to 
prevent the soring of horses. Finally, we proposed revising the 
inspection procedures that inspectors are required to perform. These 
actions would help to protect horses from the cruel and inhumane 
practice of soring and eliminate unfair competitive advantage that sore 
horses have over horses that are not sore.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/26/16  81 FR 49111
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   09/22/16  81 FR 65307
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/26/16
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41177]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Aaron Rhyner, Phone: 970 494-7484.
    RIN: 0579-AE19

15. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317
    Abstract: This rulemaking amends our disease regulations to provide 
for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with reporting 
responsibilities for animal health professionals that encounter or 
suspect cases of communicable animal diseases and disease agents. The 
changes are necessary to streamline State and Federal cooperative 
animal disease detection, response, and control efforts. This action 
will consolidate and enhance current disease reporting mechanisms, and 
it will complement and supplement existing animal disease tracking and 
reporting at the State level.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/02/20  85 FR 18471
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   08/18/20  85 FR 50796
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End....   08/21/20
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Action........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jane Rooney, Phone: 970 494-7397.
    RIN: 0579-AE39

16. Requiring Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government Official 
Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the 
United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent 
identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader 
and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This 
action would also add microchipping as one of three identification 
options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research 
facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable 
signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying 
imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a 
government official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of 
forms provided by APHIS.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Elizabeth Theodorson, Phone: 970 494-7473.
    RIN: 0579-AE58

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Completed Actions

17. Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and 
Interactive Programs

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159
    Abstract: This rulemaking would have amended the Animal Welfare Act 
regulations concerning the humane handling, care, treatment, and 
transportation of marine mammals in captivity. These proposed changes 
would have affected sections in the regulations relating to variances 
and implementation dates, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, and 
water quality. It would also have revised the regulations that relate 
to swim-with-the-dolphin programs. We believed these actions were 
necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, 
care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity were 
based on current industry standards and scientific knowledge and 
experience. The action is being withdrawn due to the age of the 
analyses on which it relies.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   04/19/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Phone: 301 851-3751.
    RIN: 0579-AB24

18. Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations

    Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701 to 7772; 7 U.S.C. 7781 to 7786
    Abstract: This rulemaking removes the domestic quarantine 
regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action will 
discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer 
program as a means to more effectively direct available resources 
toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously 
allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic 
quarantine regulations will instead be directed to non-regulatory 
options to mitigate and control the pest.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   12/15/20  85 FR 81085
Final Rule Effective................   01/14/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Herbert Bolton, Phone: 301 851-3594.
    RIN: 0579-AE42

BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Proposed Rule Stage

19. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; Pub. L. 115-334
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions 
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other 
language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in 
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Regulatory Review Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock 
Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3b0bbb2a1bfb6a0fda4b2a7b5bca1b793a6a0b7b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eb88838a99878e98c59c8a9f8d84998fab9e988f8ac58c849d">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition 
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd909c888f989893d39184999293bd888e999cd39a928b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5835392d2a3d3d367634213c3736182d2b3c39763f372e">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE71

[[Page 41178]]

20. <bullet> Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants 
and Children (WIC): WIC Online Ordering and Transactions

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule addresses key regulatory barriers to online 
ordering in the WIC Program by making changes to the provisions that 
prevent online transactions and types of online capable stores from 
participating in the Program. This rule will also allow FNS to 
modernize WIC vendor regulations that do not reflect current technology 
and facilitate the Program's transition to EBT.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Department of Agriculture, Food and 
Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 
703 305-2876, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d60646e656c68612369687d647f624d787e696c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7daded4dfd6d2db99d3d2c7dec5d8f7c2c4d3d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition 
Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457-
7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d000c181f0808034301140902032d181e090c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a272b3f382f2f246426332e25240a3f392e2b642d253c">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE85

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Long-Term Actions

21. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: School Food 
Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free 
Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule amends National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
regulations to conform to requirements contained in the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 regarding equity in school lunch pricing 
and revenue from non-program foods sold in schools. This rule requires 
school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP to provide the 
same level of financial support for lunches served to students who are 
not eligible for free or reduced price lunches as is provided for 
lunches served to students eligible for free lunches. This rule also 
requires that all food sold in a school and purchased with funds from 
the nonprofit school food service account other than meals and 
supplements reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture must generate 
revenue at least proportionate to the cost of such foods.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/17/11  76 FR 35301
Interim Final Rule Effective........   07/01/11
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      09/15/11
 End.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6904000a01080c05470d0c19001b06291c1a0d08470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cfa2a6aca7aeaaa3e1abaabfa6bda08fbabcabaee1a8a0b9">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fa979b8f889f9f94d496839e9594ba8f899e9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f59894808790909bdb998c919a9bb580869194db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE11

22. Modernizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
Benefit Redemption Systems

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, the Farm 
Bill) amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA) to include 
new requirements regarding the acceptance and processing of SNAP client 
benefits by all non-exempt retailers participating in SNAP. Statutory 
changes will modernize EBT systems and ensure greater program 
integrity. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) proposes to revise 
certain SNAP regulations for which multiple State agencies have sought 
and received approval of waivers. The revisions would streamline 
program administration, offer greater flexibility to State agencies, 
and improve customer service.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a49424b58464f59045d4b5e4c45584e6a5f594e4b044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86e5eee7f4eae3f5a8f1e7f2e0e9f4e2c6f3f5e2e7a8e1e9f0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e434f5b5c4b4b400042574a41406e5b5d4a4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ff2feeaedfafaf1b1f3e6fbf0f1dfeaecfbfeb1f8f0e9">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE37

23. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Electronic 
Benefits Transfer Requirements for Scanning and Product-Lookup 
Technology

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79
    Abstract: This rule will align program regulations with changes 
made by section 4002 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79, 
the Farm Bill), which introduced new technical requirements for point-
of-sale (POS) devices in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system 
in section 7(h)(2)(C) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (the FNA). 
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose to revise existing 
regulations both to codify these statutory requirements as well as to 
provide for their effective implementation and enforcement through the 
clarification of the technical specifications and capabilities required 
of this equipment and by addressing methods for ensuring compliance. In 
addition, USDA will define what constitutes an area that has 
significantly limited access to food to determine who is exempt from 
this requirement.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1a2a9a0b3ada4b2efb6a0b5a7aeb3a581b4b2a5a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2b1bab3a0beb7a1fca5b3a6b4bda0b692a7a1b6b3fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#761b170304131318581a0f121918360305121758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503d31252235353e7e3c29343f3e10252334317e373f26">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE39

24. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Nutrition 
Standards for all Foods Sold in School, as Required by the Healthy, 
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296
    Abstract: This rule codifies a provision of the Healthy, Hunger-
Free Kids Act (Pub. L. 111-296; the Act) under 7 CFR parts 210 and 220. 
Section 208 requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to 
establish science-based nutrition standards for all foods sold in 
schools. The nutrition standards apply to all food sold outside the 
school meal programs, on the school campus, and at any time during the 
school day.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97fafef4fff6f2fbb9f3f2e7fee5f8d7e2e4f3f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="462b2f252e27232a682223362f3429063335222768212930">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b060a1e190e0e054507120f04052b1e180f0a450c041d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6805091d1a0d0d064604110c0706281d1b0c09460f071e">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE55

25. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036
    Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food 
stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of 
items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of

[[Page 41179]]

seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these 
mandatory requirements. Subsequent annual Agency appropriations bill 
language prohibited implementation of certain final rule provisions. In 
response, this change will provide some retailers participating in SNAP 
as authorized food stores with more flexibility in meeting the enhanced 
SNAP eligibility requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/05/19  84 FR 13555
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/04/19
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........   06/14/19  84 FR 27743
NPRM Comment Period Reopen End......   06/20/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles H. Watford, Phone: 703 605-0800, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#85e6ede4f7e9e0f6abf2e4f1e3eaf7e1c5f0f6e1e4abe2eaf3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f5fef7e4faf3e5b8e1f7e2f0f9e4f2d6e3e5f2f7b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1974786c6b7c7c773775607d7677596c6a7d78377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d101c080f1818135311041912133d080e191c531a120b">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0584-AE61

BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Forest Service (FS)

Long-Term Actions

26. Special Uses--Communications Uses Rent

    Legal Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1761 to 1771
    Abstract: Consistent with the requirement in title V, section 504 
(g) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the proposed rule 
would update the Forest Service's rental fee schedule for 
communications uses based on market value. Updated rental fees that 
exceed 100 percent of current rental fees would be phased in over a 3-
year period. USDA is coordinating development of the information base 
to support this rulemaking with the Department of the Interior.
    Timetable: Next Action Undetermined.
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edwina Howard-Agu, Phone: 202 205-1419, Email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#056061726c6b642b6d6a726477612864627045707661642b626a73"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f3f2e1fff8f7b8fef9e1f7e4f2bbf7f1e3d6e3e5f2f7b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a>.
    RIN: 0596-AD43

[FR Doc. 2021-15083 Filed 7-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P


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